Abstract
Albendazole (ABZ), a broad-spectrum anthelmintic agent, is poorly absorbed after oral administration due to its low aqueous solubility. The aim of this study was to improve albendazole dissolution rate by formulating avicel pellets loaded with 10% w/w drug using extrusion/spheronization technique. In addition the wet masses were characterized by mix torque rheometry (MTR) prior to pelletization process. Different additives (i.e., lactose, Tween 80 and low molecular weight chitosan) were formulated with avicel to enhance the dissolution rate of ABZ from the produced pellets. Moreover, mix torque rheometer was used to quantitatively determine the suitable moisture content in the pastes before the extrusion process. The produced pellets were characterized for their ABZ content, particle size, particle shape, dissolution profile and thermal behaviors. The maximum consistencies (the peak torques) of the wet granules were obtained using 0.667-1.333 ml/g of water or water containing surfactant. Also, the produced pellets have size range from 1036 to 1246 μm. The calculated drug RDR30 for 10%, 30% and 50% lactose concentrations were 1.08, 1.08 and 2.03, respectively, while that calculated for 10%, 30% and 50% w/w chitosan concentrations were 1.71, 3.62 and 3.62, respectively. The results revealed also that increasing the weight ratio of lactose and chitosan was accompanied by a significant reduction of the peak torque magnitude and this was accompanied by an enhanced ABZ dissolution rate.